If the Blades plan was to knock Arsenal out of their usual smooth stride, it worked perfectly until the fateful intervention of Poll.

The game turned in seconds in the 35th minute, first when Poll waved play on after Wayne Allison tumbled under challenge from Sol Campbell.

Poll then blocked an attempted challenge by Michael Tonge as Arsenal broke forward.

Francis Jeffers crossed for Sylvain Wiltord, who struck a post from close range - but Ljungberg made no mistake after the France striker retrieved the rebound.

It sparked fury in the Sheffield United ranks and prompted angry gestures from boss Warnock as Poll made his way to the dressing room at half-time.

The First Division side created their clearest opening after 52 minutes when Michael Brown's surging run left Peter Ndlovu unmarked 12 yards out, but his finish was tame.

Arsenal suffered a setback three minutes later when Patrick Vieira, who was wearing a strapping on his knee and had been the victim of a heavy challenge from Michael Brown, limped off to be replaced by Gilberto Silva.

And just after the hour, the golden opportunity the Blades craved arrived - but was squandered.